a blended life

Here's a small update on us. I think it's a good thing that I haven't blogged much this month since that means I'm being so busy and productive, right? RIGHT? I definitely have had to find creative ways to use my time, like doing homework at 5 am and taking online quizzes Friday nights at 10 pm. My life could not be more exciting. *oozes with sarcasm* I tease myself for being a bit lame, but I have a lot to do lately and eventually the lameness will cease. The three of us have been enjoying ice skating quite a bit. It's an activity that I would have never considered for us, but it's actually going great! Hannah had a shaky start, but she was scooting around on her own during her last lesson. Leah cannot get enough of it and asks "how many hours til we come back?" I think we'll keep going as long as 1)they offer lessons or 2)we run out of money...the likely option. It's nice to find a sport for Leah when swimming isn't in season. I've...

I know everyone's on pins and needles waiting for some pictures. You are all probably dying to see some photos of our newly adopted tortoise. And on a more cuddly and cute note, you are all probably dying to see some ice skating lesson snapshots. But, this will all have to wait. I took the camera in to get fixed today to the only camera fixer in the Western states. Or at least that's what it feels like to my slightly irrational mind. It will only take a small fee of $80 and a short time of 4 weeks to get it back. Good news: it's still cheaper than a new camera. More good news: I'll end this post now because I'm too tired to make any sense.

If I don't post for a while, it's because: 1. Leah broke my new camera so I won't be posting pictures until further notice. I didn't get too mad...but I'm still a little heartbroken. 2. I started school today. They are all online classes, but so far seem very time consuming. They are called 'semester based' classes, meaning there are specific due dates, assignments, discussions, etc. They are:         *Educational Psychology         *Education of Exceptional Individuals         *Intro to Human Development I'm excited for the subject matter-we will be learning about IEPs the role of families in public education. If I do post more frequently: 1. I'm procrastinating, or 2. My camera got fixed. Here's a funny story--Leah came home with an announcement for the school chess club. She asked, "What's a Chest Club?" I don't know Leah, what IS a Chest Club?! giggle giggl...

If you have 3 extra minutes, here's a great message to start the new year. If you have another 3 minutes, this is my third post today.

I know I change the background a lot. It's partly because some nights I'm too tired to do anything else, and partly because I'm a disorganized, frequently changing kind of person. My blog reflects that. This one is a nod to my Tucson mission, a place I miss very deeply. I got sucked into a new round of nostalgia today when my supervisor told me she spent a warm holiday break in Tanque Verde, which is just outside of Tucson. I think it's bad luck to publicly announce my goals for the year, plus that would be boring to read. So I'll spare everyone. I am proud to announce that I completed ALL of my goals from last year--including losing ten pounds (it still counts even if I gained it back, right?)--and have high hopes for another successful year for me and my little girls. I've seen enormous change in them this past year and hope they will continue to grow and flourish they way they have been. I know 'flourish' is a corny word, but when speaking of children...

Every year my uncle holds a New Year's Eve party at his home in Boise. I've never been and was really excited to finally get to go this year. I had a great time and absolutely ate myself silly on scotcharoos* and all other things chocolate. And pizza and breadsticks. Sadly, my camera misplaced itself for the entire trip so I have no pictures of the festivities. It turned up right as we were leaving--I found it in an obscure spot and my cousin-whom-I-love-dearly said "Oh, I forgot I put it there." He's 16 so we'll forgive him. Eventually. *scotcharoos: Rice krispies glued together with corn syrup and peanut butter, topped with a melted mixture of chocolate and butterscotch chips. Little squares of calorie heaven. I think I've posted this exact thing before, but it's so important that you ever forget how good they are and how much I love them. I did get one picture of my trip. One of the libraries in Boise is either a)very enthusiastic about reading or ...